"Green" Landscaping?

You see many companies advertising "green" garden services, but what does that mean? Does it mean anything? Or is it just hype?

Here are some things to look for in a "green" landscaping company (in order of how important I think they are):

Do they use organic practices? Organic gardening practices use natural methods of pest and weed control such as mulching, composting, plant rotation, cover cropping, biological pest controls, trap planting, and the use of beneficial insects. A truly "green" business would not be using chemical pesticides or herbicides.

Something else: if they are willing to use organic practices on your lot, but don't on other properties, do they use different tools or at least wash their tools before coming onto your property? If not (especially if they act like you're crazy for suggesting it!), pass.

Do they use recycled materials? There are lots of products out there with recycled plastics, rubber, wood, etc... a "green" company probably uses those too!

I'm not a purist on recycled items, but if you're going to charge extra or advertise yourself as a "green" company, you probably should be acting like one.

Do they use other environmentally friendly practices, such as using biofuels for their trucks, recycling/composting their plant waste, and so on? I don't think it's a big deal if they don't, but it's certainly a plus if they do.